Delayed message playback methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A system for playback of messages. Context appropriate messages for an environment may be played back. Messages may be user behavior interactive and subject to user behavior initiated message playback conditions. User generated environment events may be automatically analyzed and user behavior interactive messages may be automatically coordinated. An automated themed message playback apparatus may have a self-contained housing within which a stored themed message, an in situ user generated environment event sensor, and an automated themed message playback device are housed. User generated environment events may be automatically sensed in situ.

This is a US Continuation Application, which claims priority to, and thebenefit of, U.S. Continuation application Ser. No. 15/096,183, filedApr. 11, 2016 and issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 9,626,843 on Apr. 18, 2017;which is a Continuation Application of U.S. Nonprovisional applicationSer. No. 13/830,259, filed Mar. 14, 2013, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.9,311,837 on Apr. 12, 2016, the entirety of all applications are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present inventive technology relates to the field of messageplayback devices. The present inventive technology may be used moreparticularly, but not exclusively, to play back context appropriatemessages relevant to an environment in which a user interacts.

While widely available in general, conventional message playback devicesmay lack certain capabilities that would be desirable in such devices.For example, conventional message playback devices may have limitedcapabilities to coordinate message playback to specific environments,address specific user needs, and interact with such users in acontextually aware manner relevant to the specific environment in whichthe message playback device is placed. Moreover, conventional messageplayback devices may lack self-contained configurations and in situcapabilities to leverage their usefulness with respect to the specificnature of environments in which they may be placed. Such environmentsmay include, but are not limited to, refrigerators, automobiles, andother locations in which message playback capabilities appropriate tothe specific environment may be desired.

The foregoing problems related to conventional message playback devicesmay represent a long-felt need for an effective solution to the same.While implementing elements may have been available, actual attempts tomeet this need may have been lacking to some degree. This may have beendue to a failure of those having ordinary skill in the art to fullyappreciate or understand the nature of the problems and challengesinvolved. As a result of this lack of understanding, attempts to meetthese long-felt needs may have failed to effectively solve one or moreof the problems or challenges here identified. These attempts may evenhave led away from the technical directions taken by the presentinventive technology and may even result in the achievements of thepresent inventive technology being considered to some degree anunexpected result of the approach taken by some in the field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIVE TECHNOLOGY

In one embodiment, the inventive technology may utilize a method forautomatically playing back context appropriate messages for anenvironment comprising the steps of storing at least one user behaviorinteractive message, storing at least one user behavior initiatedmessage playback condition, automatically sensing at least one usergenerated environment event, automatically analyzing said at least oneuser generated environment event with respect to said at least one userbehavior initiated message playback condition, automaticallycoordinating at least one said user behavior interactive message to saidat least one user behavior initiated message playback condition based onsaid automated analysis, and automatically playing back at least onesaid user behavior interactive message based on said automatedcoordination.

In another embodiment, the inventive technology may utilize an automatedcontext appropriate message playback apparatus for an environmentcomprising at least one stored user behavior interactive message, atleast one stored user behavior initiated message playback setting, atleast one user generated environment event sensor, an automated usergenerated environment event analysis processor responsive to said atleast one user generated environment event sensor and said at least onestored user behavior initiated message playback setting, an automateduser behavior interactive message coordination processor responsive tosaid automated user generated environment event analysis processor andsaid at least one stored user behavior interactive message, and anautomated user behavior interactive message playback device responsiveto said automated user behavior interactive message coordinationprocessor.

In another embodiment, the inventive technology may utilize a method forautomatically playing back refrigerator themed messages comprising thesteps of storing at least one refrigerator themed message on anautomated self-contained refrigerator themed message playback device,placing said automated self-contained refrigerator themed messageplayback device inside a refrigerator, allowing said automatedself-contained refrigerator themed message playback device to remaininside said refrigerator for a period of time, user generating arefrigerator environment event, automatically in situ sensing said usergenerated refrigerator environment event with said automatedself-contained refrigerator themed message playback device, andautomatically playing back a refrigerator themed message with saidautomated self-contained refrigerator themed message playback device.

In another embodiment, the inventive technology may utilize an automatedrefrigerator themed message playback apparatus comprising at least onestored refrigerator themed message, at least one automated in situ usergenerated refrigerator environment event sensor, an automatedrefrigerator themed message playback device responsive to said at leastone in situ user generated refrigerator environment event sensor andsaid at least one stored refrigerator themed message, a self-containedhousing within which said stored refrigerator themed message, said insitu user generated refrigerator environment event sensor, and saidautomated refrigerator themed message playback device are housed, and arefrigerator interior placement configuration of said self-containedhousing.

Naturally, further objects of the inventive technology will becomeapparent from the description and drawings below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a first configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a second configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a third configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a fourth configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a fifth configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual representation of a message playback devicesituated in a refrigerator environment in a sixth configuration in oneexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a message playback device havingan automated user generated environment event analysis processor and anautomated user behavior interactive message coordination processor inone exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a message playback device havinga self-contained housing and in situ situated in an environment in oneexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present inventive technology includes a variety of aspects, whichmay be combined in different ways. The following descriptions areprovided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of thepresent inventive technology. These elements are listed with initialembodiments, however it should be understood that they may be combinedin any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. Thevariously described examples and preferred embodiments should not beconstrued to limit the present inventive technology to only theexplicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further,this description should be understood to support and encompassdescriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems,techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of thedisclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and allvarious permutations and combinations of all elements in this or anysubsequent application.

Various embodiments of the inventive technology may involveautomatically performing certain actions, have certain automated partsor components, or generally may be effected in an automated or automaticmanner. It should be understood throughout that such autonomy mayinvolve the substantial lack of a need for direct human intervention oroversight for the relevant subject matter, and that such autonomy may beeffected in any suitable manner consistent with the inventive principlesdescribed herein, such as by hardware, software, or the like.

Now with reference primarily to FIGS. 7 and 8, embodiments of theinventive technology may involve a method for playing back contextappropriate messages for an environment (1) and an automated contextappropriate message playback apparatus for an environment (1). Anenvironment (1) may be any environment in which a message playbackapparatus may be placed, such as a refrigerator, an automobile, or thelike. It may be appreciated that an environment may have certainspecific characteristics relevant to a user, such as a refrigeratorbeing a place where a user may go for food, an automobile being placewhere an individual is away from his home or other locations, etc.

The method may involve storing at least one user behavior interactivemessage (32). A message may be interactive with user behavior, forexample, where the message contains information relevant to the user'sbehavior, perhaps while the user is engaging in such behavior. Forexample, with respect to a refrigerator, a message may be interactive byproviding diet information when a user opens the refrigerator.Similarly, with respect to an automobile, a message may be interactiveby providing a reminder to check if the front door is locked upon theuser starting the automobile. Naturally, these examples are merelyillustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of what mayconstitute user behavior interactive message (32).

A user behavior interactive message (32) may be stored in any suitablemanner consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein,including but not limited to storing a user recorded message, storing apre-recorded message, storing a user selected message (as from a list ormenu of messages made available to the user), storing a downloadedmessage, storing a memo message, storing a message subject to a timer,storing a message subject to random playback, storing a programmedmessage (as where a user may program a message into a computing device),storing a smartphone programmed message, storing a computer programmedmessage, remotely storing a message (as where a user may store a messageat a user location remote from a message playback device location) andthe like.

Remotely storing a message in various embodiments may involve storing amessage from a location remote from the storage medium, as for examplewherein a user may remotely store the message onto a playback device ata location remote from the playback device. The manner of storing andthe types of messages stored may be any as described herein thatotherwise may be consistent with the principles of storing from a remotelocation. For example, remotely storing may be done online, via acomputer, via a smartphone, wirelessly, and the like. Similarly,remotely storing may involve programming a message, downloading amessage, recording a message, and the like. Moreover, any suitablehardware or software may be utilized to effect remotely storing amessage consistent with the inventive principles described herein.Accordingly, various embodiments may include a remote message storageinterface, a remote message storage medium, a remote message storagememory, and the like.

It also may be noted that a user behavior interactive message (32) mayhave relevancy derived from the environment in which the message isplayed back, such as diet information in a refrigerator environment,reminder information in an automobile environment, and the like. Thesemay be examples of storing a message having content related to userbehavior that is interactive the environment. Such content may be themedcontent, such as refrigerator themed content, automobile themed content,and the like. Again, these examples are merely illustrative and shouldnot be construed to limit the scope what may constitute storing amessage having content related to user behavior that is interactive theenvironment.

The method may involve storing at least one user behavior initiatedmessage (32) playback condition. Upon satisfaction of the storedcondition, a message having certain content may be played back. Forexample, a stored condition might be the opening of a refrigerator door,and upon satisfaction of this condition, i.e. the opening of therefrigerator door, a message having refrigerator themed content might beplayed back. Similarly, a stored condition might be the starting of anautomobile, and upon satisfaction of this condition, i.e., the startingof the automobile, a message having reminder themed content might beplayed back. Of course, these examples are merely illustrative andshould not be construed to limit the scope what may constitute storingat least one user behavior initiated message playback condition. Theexamples provided here may involve conditions generally taking an“if-then” form, but of course any suitable condition structure may beutilized. More generally, it may be seen that the condition may bebehavior initiated by a user, such as opening a refrigerator door orstarting an automobile, and that storing a user behavior initiatedmessage playback condition may involve relating message content to anenvironment factor of the environment, such as the opening of arefrigerator door, the starting of an automobile, or the like.

Accordingly, the apparatus in various embodiments may have at least onestored user behavior initiated message playback setting (22), whereinthe setting may embody the condition in all its characteristics andproperties as described herein.

It may in fact be appreciated that any suitable environment factor maybe related to message content. Factors may include the time of day, thenumber of times a refrigerator door had been opened, the simpleoccurrence or number of times a refrigerator light has activated, andthe like. Similarly, it may appreciated that relating message content toan environmental factor may draw on any message content relevant to theenvironment, such as relating refrigerator themed content, relatinghumor, relating a user goal (as in a diet goal in a refrigeratorenvironment), relating a reminder (as in reminding a user to check ifthe front door is locked in an automobile environment), relatinginspirational message content, relating motivational message content,and so forth.

Moreover, embodiments may involve combining environmental factors,message content, and user behavior initiated message playback conditionsin sophisticated and multi-layered ways. For example, in a refrigeratorenvironment, multiple environmental factors may include a count of thenumber of times the refrigerator door has been opened and the timeperiod in which such door openings have occurred, such that upon theuser behavior message playback condition of opening the refrigeratordoor, a very targeted message content can be delivered to the user,e.g., “You have opened the refrigerator door six times since breakfast,remember your diet, tubby!” Again, these examples are merelyillustrative and should not be construed to limit the scope of combiningenvironmental factors, message content, and user behavior initiatedmessage playback conditions. Rather, it may be appreciated that the waysin which environmental factors, message content, and user behaviorinitiated message playback conditions may be utilized with one anotherprovide very high flexibility in playing back context appropriatemessage for an environment in which a user interacts.

In line with the foregoing, it follows that a stored user behaviorinitiated message playback setting (22) in various embodiments may be anenvironmental factor relational message content setting.

As may follow from the foregoing principles related to user behavior,the method may involve automatically sensing at least one user generatedenvironment event. These may be events in the environment generated bythe user, such as opening a refrigerator door, starting an automobile,or the like. Sensing may be accomplished in any suitable automatedmanner consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein,including but not limited to sensing light, sensing motion, sensingvibration, sensing acceleration, sensing sound, sensing temperature,sensing an electronic signal, sensing a magnetic change, and the like.For example, embodiments may involve sensing a refrigerator lightactivating, sensing a refrigerator door opening, sensing the number oftimes a refrigerator door has opened, sensing the motion of an item in arefrigerator, and the like.

Accordingly, the apparatus in various embodiments may include at leastone user generated environment event sensor (23), which may include alight sensor, a motion sensor, a vibration sensor, an accelerationsensor, a sound sensor, a temperature sensor, an electronic sensor, amagnetic sensor, a refrigerator light sensor, a refrigerator doorsensor, a refrigerator door count sensor, a refrigerator item movementsensor, and the like.

Embodiments also may involve logging an automatically sensed usergenerated environment event, such as to generate a log of data that maybe useful to a user. Logged events may be any as appropriate from thosesensed, and may include but not be limited to the time of day, thenumber of times a refrigerator door has been opened, the number times arefrigerator light has been activated, and the like. Such logged eventsmay be provided to user, for example so that a user may trackrefrigerator activity in connection with diet needs or the like. Theapparatus in various embodiments accordingly may have at least oneautomatically sensed user generated environment event log (24), such asa time of day log, a refrigerator door count log, a refrigerator lightactivation log, and the like, and also may have an automatically senseduser generated environment event log user output (25).

The method may involve automatically analyzing at least one usergenerated environment event with respect to at least one user behaviorinitiated message playback condition, and automatically coordinating atleast one user behavior interactive message (32) to at least one userbehavior initiated message playback condition based on the automatedanalysis.

Such automated analysis and coordination may be effected by any suitablemeans consistent with the inventive principles discussed herein,including but not limited to using hardware, using at least oneintegrated circuit, using a microprocessor, using software, and usingone or more software routines or subroutines. The automated nature ofthe analysis and coordination may be apparent from the substantial lackof a need for direct human intervention or oversight. Accordingly,certain embodiments of the apparatus may have an automated usergenerated environment event analysis processor (26) responsive to a usergenerated environment event sensor (23) and a stored user behaviorinitiated message playback setting (22), and an automated user behaviorinteractive message coordination processor (27) responsive to anautomated user generated environment event analysis processor (26) and astored user behavior interactive message (32).

Moreover, analyzing may involve any appropriate analysis consistent withthe inventive principles described herein suitable to determine anappropriate relationship between the user generated environment eventand the user behavior initiated message playback condition relevant tothe playback of a user behavior interactive message (32). For example,where the event may be the opening of a refrigerator door, and thecondition may be playing back a refrigerator themed message upon theopening of the refrigerator door, the analysis may determine that arefrigerator themed message should be played. Similarly, where the eventmay be the starting of an automobile, and the condition may be playingback a reminder message upon the starting of an automobile, the analysismay determine that a reminder message should be played.

Similarly, coordinating may involve any appropriate coordinationconsistent with the inventive principles discussed herein suitable toidentify a user behavior interactive message (32) relevant to the userbehavior initiated message playback condition used in the earlieranalysis. For example, where the analysis determined that a refrigeratorthemed message should be played, coordinating may involve identifying aspecific stored refrigerator themed message that should be played back.Where multiple refrigerator themed messages are stored, coordination mayinvolve identifying the most appropriate message, such as coordinating amessage itemizing the first opening of a refrigerator door to the eventof the first time the door is opened, coordinating a message itemizingthe second opening of a refrigerator door to the event of the secondtime the refrigerator door is opened, and the like.

Of course, these examples are merely illustrative and should not beconstrued to limit the scope of automatically analyzing andautomatically coordinating consistent with the inventive principlesdiscussed herein.

Accordingly, the apparatus in various embodiments may have an automateduser generated environment event analysis processor (26) and anautomated user behavior interactive message coordination processor (27)which may be responsive to a refrigerator light activation, responsiveto a refrigerator light activation count, responsive to a refrigeratordoor, responsive to a refrigerator door opening count, responsive torefrigerator item motion, and the like.

In some embodiments, automatically analyzing and automaticallycoordinating may involve accounting for dynamically changingcircumstances in an environment during a reference period, such aswherein a refrigerator door may be opened multiple times during thereference period, an automobile may be started multiple times during thereference period, or any other user relevant changes may occur in theenvironment during the reference period. Any suitable reference periodmay be defined consistent with the inventive principles describedherein, such as a user-defined time period, a timer countdown timeperiod, or a time of day period.

For example, a reference period may be a time of day, such as morning,afternoon, evening, night, breakfast time, lunch time, dinner time,snack time, or the like, and dynamically changing circumstances mayinclude the number of times a refrigerator light activates, the numberof times a refrigerator door opens, the motion of items in therefrigerator (such as they may be moved around by a user), and the like.Accounting for these dynamically changing circumstances, through thesteps of automatically analyzing and automatically coordinating, mayinclude varying message playback and varying message content, such asperhaps by referencing the time of day (e.g., “You just hadbreakfast!”), perhaps playing back progressively more aggressive messagecontent (e.g., “Remember your diet” followed by “Don't eat that”followed by “Step on a scale, tubby!”), perhaps by itemizing usergenerated environment events (e.g., “This is the sixth time you'veopened the refrigerator door in the last hour”), or the like.

Again, these examples are merely illustrative and should not beconstrued to limit the scope of accounting for dynamically changingcircumstances in an environment during a reference period consistentwith the inventive principles discussed herein.

Moreover, the automated user generated environment event analysisprocessor (26) and automated user behavior interactive messagecoordination processor (27) in the apparatus in various embodiments maybe reference period dynamically environmentally responsive processors.The reference period may be effected by any suitable hardware orsoftware, and various embodiments may be a reference period program(28), such as a time of day program, a morning program, an afternoonprogram, an evening program, a night program, a breakfast program, alunch program, a dinner program, a snack program, or the like. Theprocessors also may be variable message playback processors, such asprogressively aggressive message content playback processors, usergenerated environment event itemization processors, and the like.

The method may involve automatically playing back at least one userbehavior interactive message (32) based on an automated coordination.Playback may be effected in any suitable manner consistent with theinventive principles discussed herein. In particular, playback should beunderstood as not being limited simply to sounds, but rather any form bywhich a message may be communicated to a user. Accordingly, playback mayinclude but not me limited to to using audio communication, using aspeaker, using text to speech, using a text to speech chip, using visualcommunication, using a display, using a visual display, using an LCDdisplay, using a lamp, using tactile communication, using a tactiledisplay, using vibration, using a decorative element, or the like. Withrespect to a decorative element, decoration may not be limited simply toa decoration of the apparatus, but may be functionally useful for theplayback, such as wherein a display may be decorative to appeal to orcapture the attention of a user, for example a clown's face or a cartooncharacter to appeal to children. Accordingly, the apparatus in variousembodiments may have an automated user behavior interactive messageplayback device (29) responsive to an automated user behaviorinteractive message coordination processor (27), and which may embodythe properties and characteristics of playing back messages as describedherein.

Moreover, automatically playing back may involve interactivelyaddressing a user need prompted by the behavior of the user related toan environment. For example, the method may create the ability topresent a user with a relevant message just at the moment the message ismost needed, such as just at the moment when a user interaction with anenvironment creates a circumstance where the user would most benefitfrom receiving the message. Examples may include the moment at which auser may be getting food from a refrigerator and may need a timely dietreminder, a user may be starting an automobile and may need a timelyreminder to make sure the front door is locked, and the like.Accordingly, an automated user behavior interactive message playbackdevice (29) of the apparatus in various embodiments may be a userbehavior prompted environment relational need interaction device, suchas a diet need interaction device, reminder need interaction device, orthe like.

Following from the principles discussed herein, the method in variousembodiments may be applicable to a variety of environments. Storing atleast one user behavior interactive message may involve storing a userrelevant environment themed message, as wherein a message may haverefrigerator themed content relevant to user interacting with arefrigerator, reminder themed content relevant to a user interactingwith an automobile, or generally any environmentally themed contentrelevant to the a user interacting with an environment. Storing at leastone user behavior initiated message playback condition may involveconditioning message playback to a change in the environment, as whereinmessage playback may be conditioned to opening a refrigerator door,starting an automobile, or generally any appropriate change in theenvironment. Automatically sensing at least one user generatedenvironment event may involve sensing a change in the environment, aswherein the opening of a refrigerator door may be sensed, the startingof an automobile may be sensed, or generally any appropriate change inthe environment prompted by a user may be sensed. Automaticallyanalyzing the at least one user generated environment event with respectto the at least one user behavior initiated message playback conditionmay involve evaluating the change in the environment against theconditioning message playback to a change in the environment, as inevaluating the event of the opening of a refrigerator door against thecondition of playing back a refrigerator themed message upon the openingof a refrigerator door, evaluating the event of the starting of anautomobile against the condition of playing back a reminder message uponthe starting of an automobile, or generally evaluating the occurrence ofany environment event against the condition of playing back anenvironment themed message upon the occurrence of such event.Automatically coordinating a user behavior interactive message to a userbehavior initiated message playback condition based on the automatedanalysis may involve selecting the user relevant environment themedmessage, as wherein a refrigerator themed message relevant to a useropening a refrigerator door may be selected, a reminder relevant to auser starting an automobile may be selected, or generally anyenvironment themed message relevant to a user interacting with suchenvironment may be selected. Automatically playing back the userbehavior interactive message based on the automated coordination mayinvolve playing back the user relevant environment themed message, aswherein a refrigerator themed message may be played back to a userinteracting with a refrigerator, a reminder message may be played backto a user interacting with an automobile, or generally any environmentthemed message may be played back to a user interacting with suchenvironment.

Similarly, the apparatus in various embodiments may be utilized in avariety of environments. A stored user behavior interactive message maybe a user relevant environment themed message, a stored user behaviorinitiated message playback setting may be a stored changed environmentmessage playback setting, a user generated environment event sensor maybe a changed environment sensor, an automated user generated environmentevent analysis processor responsive to a user generated environmentevent sensor and a stored user behavior initiated message playbacksetting may be a changed environment evaluation processor responsive toa changed environment sensor and a changed environment message playbacksetting, an automated user behavior interactive message coordinationprocessor responsive to an automated user generated environment eventanalysis processor and a stored user behavior interactive message may bea user relevant environment themed message selection processorresponsive to a changed environment message playback setting and achanged environment evaluation processor, and an automated user behaviorinteractive message playback device responsive to an automated userbehavior interactive message coordination processor may be an automateduser relevant environment themed message playback device responsive toan automated user relevant environment themed message selectionprocessor.

Additionally, the examples of the method with respect to specific typesof environments may include the following.

In some embodiments, storing at least one user behavior interactivemessage may involve storing a user relevant refrigerator themed message,storing at least one user behavior initiated message playback conditionmay involve conditioning message playback to activation of arefrigerator light, automatically sensing at least one user generatedenvironment event may involve sensing a refrigerator light activating,automatically analyzing a user generated environment event with respectto a user behavior initiated message playback condition may involveevaluating said refrigerator light activating against conditioningmessage playback to activation of a refrigerator light, automaticallycoordinating a user behavior interactive message to a user behaviorinitiated message playback condition based on an automated analysis mayinvolve selecting a user relevant refrigerator themed message, andautomatically playing back a user behavior interactive message based onan automated coordination may involve playing back a user relevantrefrigerator themed message.

In some embodiments, a stored user behavior interactive message may be astored user relevant refrigerator themed message, a stored user behaviorinitiated message playback setting may be a stored refrigerator lightactivation message playback setting, a user generated environment eventsensor may be refrigerator light activation sensor, a user generatedenvironment event analysis processor responsive to a user generatedenvironment event sensor and a user behavior initiated message playbacksetting may be an automated refrigerator light activation evaluationprocessor responsive to a refrigerator light activation sensor and arefrigerator light activation message playback setting, an automateduser behavior interactive message coordination processor responsive toan automated user generated environment event analysis processor and astored user behavior interactive message may be an automated userrelevant refrigerator themed message selection processor responsive toan automated refrigerator light activation evaluation processor and astored user relevant refrigerator themed message, and an automated userbehavior interactive message playback device responsive to an automateduser behavior interactive message coordination processor may be anautomated user relevant refrigerator themed message playback deviceresponsive to an automated user relevant refrigerator themed messageselection processor.

In some embodiments, storing a user behavior interactive message mayinvolve storing a user relevant refrigerator time of day themed message,storing at least one user behavior initiated message playback conditionmay involve conditioning message playback to a time of day, sensing auser generated environment event may involve sensing a change in arefrigerator environment at such time of day, automatically analyzing auser generated environment event with respect to a user behaviorinitiated message playback condition may involve evaluating a change insaid refrigerator environment at such time of day against conditioningmessage playback to a time of day, automatically coordinating a userbehavior interactive message to a user behavior initiated messageplayback condition based on an automated analysis may involve selectinga user relevant refrigerator time of day themed message, andautomatically playing back a user behavior interactive message based onan automated coordination may involve playing back a user relevantrefrigerator time of day themed message.

In some embodiments, a stored user behavior interactive message may be astored user relevant refrigerator time of day themed message, a storeduser behavior initiated message playback setting may be a time of daymessage playback setting, a user generated environment event sensor maybe a changed refrigerator environment time of day sensor, an automateduser generated environment event analysis processor responsive to a usergenerated environment event sensor and a user behavior initiated messageplayback setting may be an automated changed refrigerator environmenttime of day evaluation processor responsive to a changed refrigeratorenvironment time of day sensor and a time of day message playbacksetting, an automated user behavior interactive message coordinationprocessor responsive to an automated user generated environment eventanalysis processor and a stored user behavior interactive message may bean automated user relevant refrigerator time of day themed messageselection processor responsive to an automated changed refrigeratorenvironment time of day evaluation processor and a stored user relevantrefrigerator time of day themed message, and an automated user behaviorinteractive message playback device responsive to an automated userbehavior interactive message coordination processor may be an automateduser relevant refrigerator time of day themed message playback deviceresponsive to an automated user relevant refrigerator time of day themedmessage selection processor.

In some embodiments, storing a user behavior interactive message mayinvolve storing a user relevant refrigerator door opening number themedmessage, storing a user behavior initiated message playback conditionmay involve conditioning message playback to the number of times arefrigerator door is opened, automatically sensing a user generatedenvironment event may involve sensing the number of times saidrefrigerator door is opened, automatically analyzing a user generatedenvironment event with respect to a user behavior initiated messageplayback condition may involve evaluating the number of times arefrigerator door is opened against conditioning message playback to thenumber of times a refrigerator door is opened, automaticallycoordinating a user behavior interactive message to a user behaviorinitiated message playback condition based on an automated analysis mayinvolve selecting a user relevant refrigerator door opening numberthemed message, and automatically playing back at least one userbehavior interactive message based on an automated coordination mayinvolve playing back a user relevant refrigerator door opening numberthemed message. Moreover, embodiments may involve relating messagecontent to the number of the times the refrigerator door is opened,playing back progressively more aggressive message content the higherthe number of times the refrigerator door is opened, and itemizing thenumber of the times the refrigerator door is opened.

In some embodiments, a stored user behavior interactive message may beat least one stored user relevant refrigerator door count themedmessage, a stored user behavior initiated message playback setting maybe stored refrigerator door count message playback setting, a usergenerated environment event sensor may be a refrigerator door countsensor, an automated user generated environment event analysis processorresponsive to a user generated environment event sensor and a storeduser behavior initiated message playback setting may be an automatedrefrigerator door count evaluation processor responsive to arefrigerator door count sensor and a refrigerator door count messageplayback setting, an automated user behavior interactive messagecoordination processor responsive to an automated user generatedenvironment event analysis processor and a stored user behaviorinteractive message may be an automated user relevant refrigerator doorcount themed message selection processor responsive to an automatedrefrigerator door count evaluation processor and a stored user relevantrefrigerator door count themed message, and an automated user behaviorinteractive message playback device responsive to an automated userbehavior interactive message coordination processor may be a userrelevant refrigerator door count themed message playback deviceresponsive to an automated user relevant refrigerator door count themedmessage selection processor. Moreover, embodiments further may have arefrigerator door count variable message playback processor responsiveto an automated user relevant refrigerator door count themed messageselection processor, such as a progressively aggressive refrigeratordoor count message content playback processor and a refrigerator doorcount itemization processor.

In some embodiments, storing a user behavior interactive message mayinvolve storing multiple user behavior interactive messages, storing auser behavior initiated message playback condition may involve storingmultiple user behavior initiated message playback conditions,automatically analyzing a user generated environment event with respectto a user behavior initiated message playback condition may involveanalyzing a user generated environment event with respect to multipleuser behavior initiated message playback conditions, and automaticallycoordinating a user behavior interactive message to a user behaviorinitiated message playback condition based on an automated analysis mayinvolve selecting a relevant user behavior interactive message tomultiple user behavior initiated message playback conditions based onthe automated analysis. Moreover, selecting a relevant user behaviorinteractive message may involve selecting the most relevant userbehavior interactive message from among several such stored messages.

In some embodiments, at least one stored user behavior interactivemessage may be multiple stored user behavior interactive messages, atleast one stored user behavior initiated message playback setting may bemultiple stored user behavior initiated message playback settings, anautomated user generated environment event analysis processor responsiveto a user generated environment event sensor and a stored user behaviorinitiated message playback setting may be an automated user generatedenvironment event analysis processor responsive to multiple stored userbehavior initiated message playback settings, and an automated userbehavior interactive message coordination processor responsive to anautomated user generated environment event analysis processor and astored user behavior interactive message may be an automated relevantuser behavior interactive message selection processor responsive tomultiple stored user behavior interactive messages. Moreover, anautomated relevant user behavior interactive message selection processormay be an automated most relevant user behavior interactive messageselection processor.

Naturally, these examples are merely illustrative and should not beconstrued to limit the scope of the environments to which the methodsand apparatus may be applicable consistent with the inventive principlesdiscussed herein.

With attention primarily to FIG. 8, any suitable hardware or softwaremay be utilized to implement the method. In one embodiment, storing amessage and storing a playback condition may involve storing inelectronic memory (2), sensing may involve sensors such as a firstphotocell (3) and a second photocell (4), automatically analyzing andautomatically coordinating may involve using a microprocessor (5), andautomatically playing back may involve playing back with both a speaker(6) and a display (7), such as to ensure message communication to usershaving visual or auditory impairments. The photocells may bedifferentially oriented, such as left and right, top and side, or thelike, perhaps to ensure that if one photocell is blocked, the other maystill be capable of sensing. Any suitable microprocessor ormicroprocessors may be utilized, such an MBED microprocessor or thelike. Where a microprocessor may be utilized, such as an MBEDmicroprocessor, embodiments may involve programming a message, such astext programming a text programmable MBED microprocessor and using atext to speech chip (8) responsive to the MBED microprocessor, such asperhaps to permit messages to be user programmed for storage in theelectronic memory (2) and playback through the speaker (6) and display(7). Any suitable user controls may be provided, such as including butnot limited to an on/off control (9), a speaker volume control (10), adisplay brightness control (11), a reset control (12), and the like. Anysuitable input/output connections also may be provided, such asincluding but not limited to a USB port (13), a wireless networkingdevice (14), and the like. Power may be supplied with a battery (15), anelectrical plug, or the like.

Now with reference primarily to FIGS. 1-6, embodiments of the inventivetechnology may involve a method for automatically playing backrefrigerator themed messages and an automated refrigerator themedmessage playback apparatus.

The method may involve storing at least one refrigerator themed messageon an automated self-contained refrigerator themed message playbackdevice (16) and placing the automated self-contained refrigerator themedmessage playback device (16) inside a refrigerator (17), and theapparatus may include a self-contained housing (30) within which atleast one stored refrigerator themed message, at least one automated insitu user generated refrigerator environment event sensor (23), and anautomated refrigerator themed message playback device (16) responsive tothe in situ user generated refrigerator environment event sensor (23)and the stored refrigerator themed message are housed.

An automated self-contained refrigerator themed message playback device(16) in various embodiments may include a complete and independent unitall to itself. For example, the device may be a one-piece device, suchas wherein its constituent parts may be assembled into one piece, orwherein the device may not require separately locatable pieces toaccomplish its functionality. The device in particular may require noseparate sensor component, such as sensor components that needconnection to a refrigerator light, sensor components that need to behung from a refrigerator door or perhaps attached to an exterior part ofa refrigerator (17), or the like. In various embodiments, the device maybe freestanding, such as standing alone in a location in which it isplaced, and in embodiments may not require and may not have refrigeratormounting connections. The device in some embodiments also may have adecorative exterior, perhaps as that term has been discussed elsewhereherein.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the self-contained housing (30) ofthe apparatus may include a one-piece housing, a housing having toseparate sensor component, a freestanding housing, a housing having norefrigerator mounting connections, a housing having a decorativeexterior, and the like.

The device also may be configured in various embodiments to fit arefrigerator space, such as by shape, size, dimension, rounded corners,or the like. Such refrigerator spaces may include a refrigerator door, arefrigerator shelf, a freezer, and the like. Similarly, variousembodiments may involve a refrigerator-proof device, such as wherein thedevice may be endowed with properties tending to promote its operationin a refrigerator environment. Such properties may include but not belimited to water resistance, cold resistance, humidity resistance,condensation resistance, shock resistance, and the like.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the apparatus may include arefrigerator interior placement configuration of a self-containedhousing (30), such as a housing configured to fit a refrigerator spacesuch as a refrigerator door, a refrigerator shelf, a freezer, and thelike. Embodiments of the self-contained housing (30) also may include arefrigerator-proof housing, such as a housing having water resistance,cold resistance, humidity resistance, condensation resistance, shockresistance, and the like.

Placing the device inside a refrigerator (17) in various embodiments mayinvolve selectively positioning the device at a desired location insidethe refrigerator (17), by which a user may be able to select anysuitable location chosen by the user within the refrigerator based onconsiderations such as available space, out-of-the way location, and thelike. Moreover, selectively positioning the device also may permitselectively repositioning the device, as wherein the device may beeasily repositioned by the user to any other location within therefrigerator (17). Placing the device similarly may involve selectivelyorienting the device based on the foregoing considerations, such as bytilting the device, setting the device on its side, propping the deviceagainst another item in the refrigerator (17), and the like. Placing thedevice also may involve quickly one-step placing the device inside therefrigerator and quickly one-step removing the device from therefrigerator, in as much as the device may be self-contained and mayhave no separate components or refrigerator mountings, and in a mannerperhaps analogous to placing or removing any other refrigerator item innormal use.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the self-contained housing (30) ofthe apparatus may include a refrigerator interior selectivelypositionable self-contained housing (30), a refrigerator interiorselectively repositionable self-contained housing (30), a refrigeratorinterior selective orientation self-contained housing (30), a quickone-step placement self-contained housing (30), and a quick one-stepremoval self-contained housing (30).

The method further may involve allowing the automated self-containedrefrigerator themed message playback device (16) to remain inside therefrigerator (17) for a period of time, user generating a refrigeratorenvironment event, and automatically in situ sensing the user generatedrefrigerator environment event with the automated self-containedrefrigerator themed message playback device (16). In situ sensing invarious embodiments may involve sensing from the placement location ofthe device inside the refrigerator (17), such as by sensing entirelyfrom inside the refrigerator (17), sensing without utilizing componentsexternal to the device, sensing without utilizing components external tothe refrigerator (17), and the like. In various embodiments, sensing mayinvolve multi-modal sensing, as wherein different sensing modalitiessuch as light sensors or motion sensor may be used, andmulti-directional sensing, as wherein multiple sensors may be orientedin different directions to address the situation where one sensor may beblocked, otherwise unable to sense, or the like.

Accordingly, in various embodiments the in situ user generatedrefrigerator environment event sensor (23) of the apparatus may includea sensor entirely inside of a refrigerator, a sensor having norefrigerator external components, a multi-modal sensor, amulti-directional sensor, and the like.

Various embodiments may involve adding at least one new refrigeratorthemed message to an automated self-contained refrigerator themedmessage playback device (16). This may include adding new messages notpresent on the device as originally built, adding new messages notpresent on the device at the time of such adding, or the like.Naturally, new messages may be added from any suitable source or in anysuitable manner consistent with the inventive principles discussedherein. Accordingly, embodiments may include a new refrigerator themedmessage addition port (31).

In some embodiments, adding a new message may involve downloading atleast one new refrigerator themed message from an online source.Connecting online may be done in any suitable manner consistent with theinventive principles discussed herein, and may include but not belimited to directly connecting online, wirelessly connecting online,connecting online via a computer (18), connecting online via a mobiledevice (19), and connecting online via a smartphone (20). Accordingly,various embodiments may include an online download connection (32) suchas a direct online connection, a wireless online connection, a computeronline connection, a mobile device online connection, a smartphoneonline connection, and the like.

Downloading a new refrigerator themed message also may be accomplishedin any suitable manner consistent with the inventive principlesdiscussed herein. For example, such downloading in various embodimentsmay involve engaging in an ecommerce transaction. Embodiments mayinvolve downloading sponsored content, such as wherein the message to beadded is sponsored by a third party. Sponsorship may involve variousforms of advertising, such as perhaps exposing a user to advertisingduring or after the downloading procedure, requiring the user todownload a new refrigerator themed advertising message (as whereinperhaps advertising may be included before playback of the message, orwherein the message itself may have advertising content in whole or inpart), or the like. Various embodiments also may involve utilizingsocial media in connection with downloading new messages, such asobtaining new messages from social media sources, liking or otherwiserecommending message content on social media platforms, and the like.Accordingly, an online download connection (32) in various embodimentsmay include an ecommerce transaction online download connection, asponsored content online download connection, a social media utilizationonline download connection, and the like.

Some embodiments may involve downloading program content. Programsgenerally may be plans, curriculums, courses, or the like directedtoward accomplishing a goal, wherein messages may be part of theprogram. Examples may include diet programs (wherein messages mayreinforce elements of the diet program, such as perhaps reminders ofselecting healthy foods from a refrigerator), pharmaceutical programs(wherein messages may reinforce elements of a pharmaceutical treatmentprogram, such as perhaps reminders to take medications stored in arefrigerator at scheduled times), device bundled programs (whereinaccess to new message availability may be bundled with the purchase of amessage playback device), or any program wherein providing targeted,user relevant messages related to an environment may be beneficial.Naturally, the capability to add new messages as described herein mayprovide substantial added value to a given program. Accordingly, anonline download connection (32) in various embodiments may include aprogram content online download connection for content such as dietprogram content, pharmaceutical program content, device bundled content,and the like.

Embodiments also may involve automatically updating a message playbackdevice with additional new messages, such as via an online connection.Accordingly, an apparatus in various embodiments may include anautomated new message addition updater (21).

While various embodiments described herein have been set forth in termsof refrigerator embodiments, it should be understood and appreciatedthat the inventive principles underlying such described refrigeratorembodiments are general in nature, and that therefore the inventiveprinciples applied to such refrigerator embodiment may be utilized intheir general form to applied to any environments, situations,circumstances, or the like otherwise consistent with the inventiveprinciples described herein.

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present inventive technology may be embodied in a variety of ways.It involves both message playback techniques as well as devices toaccomplish the appropriate message playback. In this application, themessage playback techniques are disclosed as part of the results shownto be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which areinherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizingthe devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devicesare disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplishcertain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly,as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood tobe encompassed by this disclosure.

The discussion included in this patent application is intended to serveas a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specificdiscussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; manyalternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the genericnature of the inventive technology and may not explicitly show how eachfeature or element can actually be representative of a broader functionor of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again,these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the inventivetechnology is described in device-oriented terminology, each element ofthe device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not onlybe included for the device described, but also method or process claimsmay be included to address the functions the inventive technology andeach element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology isintended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in anysubsequent patent application.

It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be madewithout departing from the essence of the inventive technology. Suchchanges are also implicitly included in the description. They still fallwithin the scope of this inventive technology. A broad disclosureencompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety ofimplicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes andthe like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon whendrafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should beunderstood that such language changes and broader or more detailedclaiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any requireddeadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patentfiling based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader shouldbe aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support anysubsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of asbroad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may bedesigned to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the inventivetechnology both independently and as an overall system.

Further, each of the various elements of the inventive technology andclaims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, whenused or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassingindividual as well as plural structures that may or may not bephysically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompasseach such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatusembodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variationof any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that asthe disclosure relates to elements of the inventive technology, thewords for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms ormethod terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Suchequivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered tobe encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such termscan be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broadcoverage to which this inventive technology is entitled. As but oneexample, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as ameans for taking that action or as an element which causes that action.Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood toencompass a disclosure of the action which that physical elementfacilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, thedisclosure of a “sensor” should be understood to encompass disclosure ofthe act of “sensing”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and,conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “sensing”,such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a“sensor” and even a “means for sensing” Such changes and alternativeterms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) shouldbe understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the givenfunction, and all descriptions of elements that perform a describedfunction should be understood as a non-limiting example of means forperforming that function.

Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in thisapplication for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Anypriority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended andhereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used itshould be understood that unless its utilization in this application isinconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionarydefinitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and alldefinitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in theRandom House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are herebyincorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the list ofReferences To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With The patentapplication or other information statement filed with the applicationare hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as toeach of the above, to the extent that such information or statementsincorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with thepatenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly notto be considered as made by the applicant(s).

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim andmake a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the messageplayback devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the relatedmethods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and evenimplicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) thosealternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as aredisclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) eachsystem, method, and element shown or described as now applied to anyspecific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatusessubstantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of theaccompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methodsdescribed herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) thevarious combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed,xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency oneach and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, andxiv) all inventions described herein.

In addition and as to computer aspects and each aspect amenable toprogramming or other electronic automation, the applicant(s) should beunderstood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention toat least: xv) processes performed with the aid of or on a computer,machine, or computing machine as described throughout the abovediscussion, xvi) a programmable apparatus as described throughout theabove discussion, xvii) a computer readable memory encoded with data todirect a computer comprising means or elements which function asdescribed throughout the above discussion, xviii) a computer, machine,or computing machine configured as herein disclosed and described, xix)individual or combined subroutines and programs as herein disclosed anddescribed, xx) a carrier medium carrying computer readable code forcontrol of a computer to carry out separately each and every individualand combined method described herein or in any claim, xxi) a computerprogram to perform separately each and every individual and combinedmethod disclosed, xxii) a computer program containing all and eachcombination of means for performing each and every individual andcombined step disclosed, xxiii) a storage medium storing each computerprogram disclosed, xxiv) a signal carrying a computer program disclosed,xxv) the related methods disclosed and described, xxvi) similar,equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these systems andmethods, xxvii) those alternative designs which accomplish each of thefunctions shown as are disclosed and described, xxviii) thosealternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functionsshown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed anddescribed, xxix) each feature, component, and step shown as separate andindependent inventions, and xxx) the various combinations andpermutations of each of the above.

With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, itshould be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid greatexpansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any timepresent only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with onlyinitial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested inpotential scope of this or subsequent applications should understandthat broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in acase claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spiteof any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, orarguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there isno intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. Itshould be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, suchmay require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered atany prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that tothe extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented inthis or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid suchprior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims orthe like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested inexisting or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at anytime been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender ofpotential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimeris ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application.Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this orany subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understoodto exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but notlimited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United StatesPatent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of anyof the various dependencies or other elements presented under oneindependent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any otherindependent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whetherin this application or in any subsequent application, it should also beunderstood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broada scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent thatinsubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant didnot in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particularembodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant shouldnot be understood to have in any way intended to or actuallyrelinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have beenable to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should notbe reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literallyencompassed such alternative embodiments.

Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide supportfor any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as anotherdependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, asubsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if aclaim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, itcould be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 25(if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure.It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for anycombination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desiredproper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as withcombinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.

Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated byreference as part of this description of the inventive technology, andthe applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof,and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move anyportion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or anyelement or component thereof from the description into the claims orvice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection issought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division,or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefitof, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws,rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such contentincorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency ofthis application including any subsequent continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extensionthereon.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for automatically playing backcontext appropriate messages for an environment comprising the steps of:storing at least one user relevant environment themed behaviorinteractive message appropriate for a given user generated environmentevent and subject to a timer, and such storage provided on an automated,battery powered, self-contained selectively positionable andrepositionable message playback device within a self-contained housing;storing a user environment behavior initiated message playback conditionappropriate for said given user generated environment event on saidautomated, battery powered, self-contained selectively positionable andrepositionable message playback device within said self-containedhousing; commencing a timer countdown time period of said timer;automatically in-situ sensing from within said environment by saidautomated, battery powered, self-contained selectively positionable andrepositionable message playback device within said self-containedhousing said given user generated environment event; automaticallyanalyzing by said automated, battery powered, self-contained selectivelypositionable and repositionable message playback device within saidself-contained housing said given user generated environment event withrespect to said user environment behavior initiated message playbackcondition appropriate for said given user generated environment event;automatically analyzing by said automated, battery powered,self-contained selectively positionable and repositionable messageplayback device within said self-contained housing said timer countdowntime period of said timer to make said at least one user relevantenvironment themed behavior interactive message available in response tosaid countdown time period; playing said at least one user relevantenvironment themed behavior interactive message appropriate for a givenuser generated environment event and subject to a timer; andautomatically individually addressing said user by said automated,battery powered, self-contained selectively positionable andrepositionable message playback device within a self-contained housing,by said at least one user relevant environment themed behaviorinteractive message appropriate for a given user generated environmentevent and subject to a timer.
 2. The method for automatically playingback context appropriate messages for an environment as described inclaim 1 wherein said environment comprises an environment selected fromthe group consisting of an automobile, a refrigerator, a pantry, orother household cabinet.
 3. The method for automatically playing backcontext appropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 1wherein said environment comprises a refrigerator environment, andwherein said step of automatically analyzing said given user generatedenvironment event comprises the step of analyzing the number of timessaid refrigerator environment has changed in a given period.
 4. Themethod for automatically playing back context appropriate messages foran environment as described in claim 1 wherein said environmentcomprises a refrigerator environment, and wherein said step ofautomatically analyzing said timer countdown time period of said timercomprises the step of analyzing whether said timer countdown time periodof said timer has expired.
 5. The method for automatically playing backcontext appropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 1wherein said environment comprises a refrigerator environment, andwherein said step of storing at least one user relevant environmentthemed behavior interactive message comprises the steps of storing atleast one humor related behavior interactive message, storing at leastone user goal related behavior interactive message, and storing at leastone reminder related behavior interactive message.
 6. The method forautomatically playing back context appropriate messages for anenvironment as described in claim 1 wherein said step of automaticallyin-situ sensing comprises the step of sensing selected from the groupconsisting of sensing light, sensing motion, sensing vibration, sensingacceleration, sensing sound, sensing temperature, sensing an electronicsignal, and sensing a magnetic change.
 7. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said step of automatically in-situ sensingcomprises the steps of sensing refrigerator light activation, andsensing the number of times a refrigerator door has opened.
 8. Themethod for automatically playing back context appropriate messages foran environment as described in claim 1 wherein said steps ofautomatically analyzing comprise the step of accounting for dynamicallychanging circumstances in said environment during a reference period. 9.The method for automatically playing back context appropriate messagesfor an environment as described in claim 8 wherein said environmentcomprises a refrigerator environment, and wherein said reference periodcomprises a time of day.
 10. The method for automatically playing backcontext appropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 9wherein said time of day comprises a time of day selected from the groupconsisting of morning, afternoon, evening, night, breakfast time, lunchtime, dinner time, and snack time.
 11. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said environment comprises a refrigeratorenvironment, and wherein said reference period comprises said timercountdown time period of said timer.
 12. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said environment comprises a refrigeratorenvironment, and wherein said step of accounting for dynamicallychanging circumstances comprises the step of accounting for the numberof times a refrigerator door is opened.
 13. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said environment comprises a refrigeratorenvironment, and wherein said step of accounting for dynamicallychanging circumstances comprises the step of accounting for said timercountdown time period of said timer.
 14. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 8 wherein said environment comprises a refrigeratorenvironment, and wherein said step of accounting for dynamicallychanging circumstances comprises varying message playback to varymessage content.
 15. The method for automatically playing back contextappropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 8 whereinsaid environment comprises a refrigerator environment, and wherein saidstep of accounting for dynamically changing circumstances comprises thestep of playing said at least one user relevant environment themedbehavior interactive message only if said timer countdown time period ofsaid timer has expired.
 16. The method for automatically playing backcontext appropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 1further comprising the step of engaging in an ecommerce transaction. 17.The method for automatically playing back context appropriate messagesfor an environment as described in claim 1 further comprising the stepof utilizing sponsored message content.
 18. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 17 wherein said step of utilizing sponsored messagecontent comprises the step of utilizing at least one advertisingmessage.
 19. The method for automatically playing back contextappropriate messages for an environment as described in claim 1 furthercomprising the step of utilizing food relevant content messages.
 20. Themethod for automatically playing back context appropriate messages foran environment as described in claim 1 further comprising the step ofutilizing a smartphone connection.
 21. The method for automaticallyplaying back context appropriate messages for an environment asdescribed in claim 1 wherein said step of commencing comprises a stepselected from the group consisting of automatically commencing oruser-controlled commencing.